While the fiscal cliff deal that was approved by the House and Senate on Jan. 1 was good news in that it sent the markets soaring and includes some changes that make financial planning easier, critics of the deal say that it fails to remedy the fiscal challenges that lie...

The fiscal cliff deal that was approved by Congress sent the markets soaring Wednesday, but lawmakers and industry officials were quick to weigh in with their opinions—positive and negative—on the deal.

Three key Washington heavyweights will have a crucial role in advisors’ lives next year: Elisse Walter, the new SEC chairman; Rep. Jeb Hensarling, the incoming House Financial Services chairman; and Phyllis Borzi, at the DOL’s EBSA.

It was an unexpected—and shocking—announcement: Alan Goldfarb, chair of the CFP Board’s board of directors, resigned in early November along with two members of the Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (DEC).

This week in new hires, Commonwealth Financial Network once again made the Boston Globe’s list of top places to work in Massachusetts; Ellen Turf announced she would depart NAPFA next year; and Intech announced a new hire and promotions.